Rega Planar 8 and Nagaoka MP-300

Is it a convincing combination?

[@MelindaMurphy]

Great video. The Rega 8 is beautiful.

[@blobbynobby4619]

love these one of the best mm out there

[@karabennemsi1923]

I fully agree, it's one of the cartridges which breaths live into the music.

[@colorizedenhanced-timeless220]

Hello, Kara Ben Nemsi. it's a extremely pretty video. thank. :)

[@karabennemsi1923]

It gives me pleasure. Thanks for watching my video.

[@user-vz5dm6nq8i]

Planar 8 is fantastic player

[@Dave78Ivey]

Excellent video! Are you using a spacer to lift VTA for the tonearm?

[@karabennemsi1923]

Thank you for your comment, I really appreciate it. To answer the question: Yes, I installed a 2mm spacer. All the best...

[@Dave78Ivey]

Thanks!

[@ryankaldesic430]

Hi. Lovely set up! Is fitting the 2mm shim a straight forward process? Any issues fitting the dust cover with the tone arm sitting slightly higher? Thanks :)

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi Ryan, It is, indeed - thank you. Installing the 2 mm spacer isn't a problem so far - to loosen the screws a bit - to slide in - and finally to tigthen the screws. By the way - the dust cover offers enough space for higher tone arms - still 2 mm between counter weight and dust cover after procedure. All the best...

[@ryankaldesic430]

@@karabennemsi1923 thanks for getting back to me. 👍

[@MrBoomtheroom]

whats it like on the inner groove of the record.. no shrills or distortion?

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi MrBoomtheroom, I think that inherent distortion is part of the game. But this effect is often described as analogue warmth. The extend of the distortion depends on different factors: Mastering engineer, the volume of the song at the end, the playing time of the record, the bass as well as cartridge and alignment. Be assured - I like my setup - also at the end of a record.

[@GodfreyMann]

I notice you use the Trichord Dino Mk3 phono stage. I’m new to turntables and I find the business of matching cartridge to phono stage difficult to understand. I was wondering if you could explain how you determined that the MP300 and Dino Mk3 were a good match from their specs?

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi Anthony, Thank you for your interest and your question. I appreciate it. Matching a moving magnet cartridge (in that case a moving iron cart) with a phono stage is no huge challenge. The setting for the cartridge loading is always 47 K ohms. Sometimes the capacitance is something to consider but let's ignore this minor issue. So it's all about finding the right phono stage for your requirements. I also used phono stages from Musical Fidelity or Pro-Ject. Why do I use the Dino? Because it offers flexibility when using moving coil cartridges, switches allow for adjustment of cartridge loading and gain setting (for MC carts important). But you can find a lot of perfect products on the market with similar or better features. Specifications are one thing - listening...

[@sebastianbachert9528]

Great video! Do you think the Planar 6 and the MP300 would also match well? Would you also recommend the 2mm spacer for the Planar 6? Best regards!

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi Sebastian, Unfortunately, I've never had a Planar 6. In general, I would tend to say that Rega and Nagaoka is a compelling combination. Especially the MP 300 is a true gentleman for expansive listening sessions. Maybe it's not so impressive at the very first moment. But the more you listen with it, the more you'll discover its quality. And yes, I would recommend a 2mm spacer. I hope that this reply will help you to make the right decision.

[@sebastianbachert9528]

@@karabennemsi1923 thank you for your kind and informative answer! Happy listening :)

[@will2181]

Great video! I also have a P8. I am considering purchasing the Nagaoka MP300. Were the leads on your P8 easily able to accommodate the leads on the MP300? I am worried I might accidentally bugger up hooking up the leads in case the Rega’s leads are too small or too big. Your input would be greatly appreciated!

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi Will, I would say that the tricky thing is to remove the leads from the previous cartridge. First, I recommend you loosen the screws from the system and remove the cart from the headshell. Afterwards, unplug the tiny leads carefully and smoothly from the cartridge. Use for this job a small slot screwdriver. Finally, you plug in the cables with a pair of pliers. Take your time, and you certainly will be successful. I hope you are satisfied with your new setup. I hope it helps. All the best!

[@will2181]

@@karabennemsi1923 Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it! I am going to be placing an order for the MP300 soon. I will be sure to let you know how it goes!

[@karabennemsi1923]

@@will2181 I'm looking forward to hearing from you. It's also interesting for me to receive your valuation. Thanks!

[@MrBoomtheroom]

also what phono amp u using?

[@karabennemsi1923]

You can watch it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2mph2CIq76Vi6s Thanks for watching!

[@GodfreyMann]

Any idea how this cartridge compares to the Apheta 3 on the Planar 8?

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi Anthony, Sorry, I've only heard a Rega P9 combined with an Alphetha 2 cartridge. In general, it's always difficult to provide a description because personal preferences may differ. So give it a try? Thanks for watching!

[@GodfreyMann]

@@karabennemsi1923 that’s true. I guess I need to see if I can get lucky and audition them somewhere.

[@bharatsodha3078]

Got Planar 8 with Apheta 3 and it sounds brilliant

[@karabennemsi1923]

@@bharatsodha3078 Congratulations, that's certainly a hell of a combination. I would like to hear it!!

[@misterprog8365]

Hello, very nice video. Is a 2mm spacer really enough for the Nagaoka?

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi Fast Driver, I made good experience so far - on the rega p3 and on the p8 as well. Thanks for watching my video.

[@topkho]

Do you still use the MP300? What’s your long term opinion?

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi K H, I do, indeed. It's a legitimate question, so let me try to describe my impression after listening with this cart for more than a year: The cartridge is an aesthete by all accounts. If you prefer listening to music for several hours without getting tired, it's a perfect match. It's definitely not a cartridge where you would say: "WOW!!" Its strong points are a realistic reproduction of the guitar, a perfect separation of the music and smooth and relaxed tonality. So, in my opinion, it harmonizes with all kinds of guitar music, jazz, vocals (they are superb) and mono records. In my setup, I sometimes recognize the lack of punchy bass. Therefore it's not always convincing with pop or rock productions. But it depends on the records. Finally, I have to point out that this description is bound to be subjective. Thanks for watching this video!

[@topkho]

@@karabennemsi1923 thank you very much, it is very comprehensive and insightful indeed and I’m sure very useful the viewers as well. :-) appreciate it

[@JasonGS919]

This video didn’t help me decide if I want to purchase the Nagaoka MP-300, considering the you didn’t review the cartridge. You played a few songs, and then the video ended. You didn’t give your impression of the MP-300. In fact, you spoke more about the MP-150 than the MP-300. What’s your impression of the MP-300? What’re the pros and cons? How does it compare to the MP-150? How does it compare to other cartridges in its price range, given you’ve listened to other cartridges?

[@karabennemsi1923]

Hi jasonlexgs, I agree - first, I talked about my impressions concerning the sound quality of the MP-150 cartridge. Afterwards, you had the opportunity to listen to some genres to entitle your own opinion. Are there any differences? Do you like the sound signature? And so on. But I've never intended to give any recommendations - it's subjective. So far - I still use the MP-300 on my turntable - I appreciate its ability for clearance and resolution. Unfortunately, the prices for cartridges are rising. So if your TT is in the 1.000 to 1.500 Euros range, I recommend the MP-150. It's a sensational cartridge - it certainly will make your day. In case that your turntable is even more expensive, then the MP-300 or MP-500 are first choice. In my opinion, they can compete with MC systems in the same or higher price range. I hope my reply will help you.

[@GodfreyMann]

Looks like you’re powering your phono stage with the Dino+ power supply. What differences in sound quality do you notice compared to the standard power supply that came with the Dino MK3?

[@karabennemsi1923]

Sorry, I had no opportunity to compare both variants, but perhaps this article is interesting for you: theaudiophileman.com/trichord-researchdino-mk-3-phono-stage-upgrades-stay-path/ "It's the perspective of a reviewer."

[@GodfreyMann]

@@karabennemsi1923 interesting article, thanks for sharing. I like the way the Dino’s have numerous upgrade paths with power supplies and MC cartridges. Great for budget management!

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

Put a Houdini on it.

[@karabennemsi1923]

Thanks for watching!